directions:

2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream butter for 1 minute. Add brown sugar, then sugar, beating 1 minute after each addition. Add egg and vanilla and beat for 1 more minute.

3. Sprinkle 1 cup of the flour over mixture, then add the baking powder and salt. On low speed, mix just until incorporated. Add remaining 1 cup flour and mix on low speed, again just until incorporated. At this point, dough is ready for any variations. Add extra ingredients or refer to the other recipes and proceed as instructed for each.

4. To make Basic Butter Cookies, drop dough by scant teaspoonfuls onto preparedbaking sheets, about 1 1/2 inches apart. Cookies will spread very slightly. Bake just until cookies begin to turn pale brown at the edges, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cookies will be slightly soft. Let cool on pan for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Repeat until batter is gone.

5. Serve at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for 3 days, or freeze.